I was at the Barcade in Portland the other week when I ran into a good friend who was with a friend. I was introduced as “the guy who owns the Lumbery”. The friend of the friend said…”Isn’t that the expensive lumber yard?”
OK. Let’s pause for a moment and unpack this.
1-What was I doing at the Barcade?
2-What game was I playing at the Barcade?
3-Why would someone presume that the Lumbery was pricey?
Let’s answer the 3rd question first. As we all know image is everything. If your sellers realtor shows up in a convertible Jaguar you would think…wow this broker must be good. But if your plumber showed up in the same car you would think something was off.
That is our problem. We don’t fit the mold of the traditional lumber yard or hardware store. First off- We are mission based and this alone leads many folks to presume the worst.
Secondly-We are “hipster-esque”. I hate to use this term but I am afraid it might apply. We care about brand, we care about image, and we are trying to reinvent a traditional model by appealing to DIYers, staying open on weekends, offering a tool lending library and focusing on customer service and community. In fact, we are the only mini hardware/lumber yard that I have ever known.
But this should not mean that we cannot offer competitive prices or appeal to contractors.
So for 2 years now we have been trying to refine our message and change perspectives but it is not easy…especially if a dude hanging out in a barcade thinks the Lumbery might be too boutique for him.
We’ll get there. We are glad to have you all along for the journey and we hope you spread the word. Once folks get us…then they get us.
Now, to answer the first 2 questions…Godzilla pinball of course.
Sincerely,
Mike Friedland and the entire Lumbery crew.
mainewood@lumbery-me.com
www.lumbery-me.com
We cannot change who we are but hopefully folks will begin to change their idea of what we represent. Great mission, great service, high quality and competitive prices.
Promoting Sustainability – Supporting Local Communities
LUMBERY
287 Ocean House Road
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
207-835-7023